You want to study music in Los Angeles—for the energy, the industry, the possibilities. But when every program looks like a great option on paper, how do you know which one will actually move you forward?
Home to major universities and specialized conservatories, LA offers something for every type of student – let’s explore several of the city’s leading music programs to help you find the right fit for your musical goals and career aspirations.
Why Choose LA for Music School?
For many students, Los Angeles isn’t just a place to study music—it’s a place to understand how the industry actually works.
Yes, LA offers proximity to the entertainment world. But what matters more is how that access shows up in your day-to-day experience as a student. The right programs don’t just talk about the industry—they connect you to it through real sessions, performances, and mentorship from working professionals.
At the same time, the range of schools in LA is wide. Different class sizes, teaching styles, and levels of individual attention can shape your experience in very different ways. Some students thrive in highly collaborative, fast-paced environments. Others need more personalized guidance and space to grow.
That’s why LA isn’t automatically the “best” choice—it’s the right choice for some students.
The value comes down to fit: finding a program where you’re not only exposed to opportunity, but also supported, challenged, and prepared to take advantage of it.
Four Exceptional Music Schools in LA
Not all great schools are great for you. Here’s how these LA programs differ—and who they tend to serve best.
University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music
If your goal is to plug directly into the music and entertainment industry, USC may be the right fit for you.
- Broad program offerings: performance, composition, screen scoring, music industry, and more
- Strong connection to film, TV, and commercial music spaces in LA
- Frequent collaboration across disciplines (film students, producers, composers)
- Access to internships, recording sessions, and real-world projects while still in school
What to consider:
This is a larger, well-connected program. The opportunity is there—but you’ll need to be proactive to take full advantage of it.
USC offers a rich and comprehensive music education, with programs including performance, composition, music industry, screen scoring, and music education. Students can pursue training across a wide range of instruments—voice, strings, winds, percussion, piano, guitar, and more—while engaging with styles from classical and early music to jazz, pop, and contemporary genres. In addition to performance, Thornton provides specialized study in areas such as music technology, musicology, arts leadership, and chamber music, allowing students to tailor their education to diverse career paths. USC’s collaborative environment encourages students to work across disciplines, often leading to creative projects and industry connections before graduation. Located in Los Angeles, Thornton places students at the heart of a global entertainment hub, offering unparalleled access to performance opportunities, internships, and careers in music and media.
The Colburn School
If your priority is elite-level performance training in a focused environment, Colburn should be on your list.
- Highly selective conservatory with an emphasis on classical performance
- Small student body with significant one-on-one faculty attention
- Heavy focus on applied lessons, chamber music, and performance
- Full scholarship for all students, including housing and financial support
What to consider:
Colburn is intense and specialized. It’s best suited for students who are already performing at a very high level and want a conservatory-style experience.
The Colburn School offers an intensive and highly specialized conservatory experience, with programs including the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Performance Diploma, Artist Diploma, and Professional Studies Certificate. The Bachelor of Music and Performance Diploma programs emphasize rigorous performance training in strings, woodwinds, and/or keyboard studies alongside coursework in music theory, ear training, history, and humanities, with a strong focus on applied lessons, chamber music, and orchestral performance. At Colburn, students gain access to working with esteemed faculty, invaluable networking opportunities, live performances, and real-world professional experiences. What sets Colburn apart is its extraordinary financial support—every student receives a full scholarship, including housing and stipends. This environment, combined with hands-on learning and close mentorship from distinguished faculty, supports both artistic and career development, making it one of the most intimate and selective conservatories in LA.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Herb Alpert School of Music
If you want flexibility to explore music alongside academics or industry paths, UCLA is a good fit.
- BM focused on performance areas, and a BA-focused structure that allows for academic and musical exploration
- Music industry minor with exposure to marketing, production, and business
- Access to recording studios and guest speakers from the LA music scene
- Opportunities to engage across campus and beyond through diverse programs
What to consider:
This isn’t a traditional conservatory path. It’s a strong option for students who want music to be part of a broader college experience.
The Herb Alpert School of Music offers a broad and flexible range of programs designed to support both artistic and industry-focused career paths. At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship, combining academic study with hands-on access to professional recording studios and mentorship from faculty and industry professionals. Students can also pursue a minor in music industry, which covers topics such as marketing, production, and sales while connecting with the LA music scene through student-run initiatives and guest speakers from across the industry. At the graduate level, the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts programs combine intensive applied study with ensemble collaboration and academic coursework. The school’s musicology program further broadens the curriculum, offering both a major and a minor with courses spanning a wide range of topics. Committed to a comprehensive and community-engaged education, the school integrates scholarship with active musical practice, connecting students with diverse communities on campus and beyond.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
If you’re drawn to experimentation, composition, and creating something new, CalArts is worth considering.
- Emphasis on original work, creativity, and pushing artistic boundaries
- Programs across experimental pop, composition, music technology, and more
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with artists across film, animation, and visual arts
- Regular interaction with visiting artists and working professionals
What to consider:
CalArts is not for everyone. It’s best for students who are self-directed, curious, and interested in defining their own artistic path.
Founded in 1961 by Walt Disney and his brother, CalArts offers a forward-thinking approach to arts education across music, visual, media, and literary disciplines. Its music programs are designed for a new generation of artists—those who not only develop technical and creative expertise but also emphasize experimentation and engage critically with the world around them. CalArts’ music curriculum combines a shared foundational experience with specialized study, allowing students to tailor their path to their artistic goals. Programs span a wide range of areas, including composition and experimental sound practices, experimental pop, instrumental arts, jazz, music technology, performer-composer, voice arts, and world music, with degrees offered at the BFA, MFA, and, in some cases, DMA levels. Students also benefit from regular interaction with visiting artists, often forming lasting professional connections. With its strong emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary work, CalArts encourages students to explore new sounds, genres, and technologies while developing a well-rounded and innovative artistic voice.
Other noteworthy programs in LA
California State University Northridge (CSUN)
- Through both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, students can pursue paths in performance, composition, music education, music therapy, jazz studies, music industry, and commercial media writing, supported by a strong academic foundation and practical training.
- Known for its high-quality instruction and career-focused approach, CSUN provides students with the skills and versatility needed to succeed in today’s diverse musical landscape.
Chapman University’s Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music:
- Undergraduate degrees offered include a Bachelor of Music in Performance, which emphasizes vocal and instrumental training, a Bachelor of Music in Composition, tailored for emerging composers, or a Bachelor of Music Education, which prepares students for careers in teaching and leads to a California Single-Subject Teaching Credential.
- Minors offered include music business, music technology, and film music, giving students the flexibility to expand their skill sets or complement other fields of study.
- Graduate degrees offered include a specialized Master of Music in Keyboard Collaborative Arts, making it a strong option for pianists interested in collaborative performance.
Los Angeles College of Music (LACM):
- Offers bachelor’s, associate’s, and master’s degrees in various areas of music, including performance, music production, songwriting, composing for visual media, music education, and music business.
- The faculty at LACM consists of current leading music professionals, ensuring that students receive real-world playing experiences with professional musicians.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Music School in Los Angeles
Not every strong program is the right program. These are the factors that actually shape your experience—and your outcomes.
Faculty, Curriculum, and Specializations
A strong program should align closely with your career interests, whether in music production, audio engineering, performance, songwriting, teaching, or business. Careful consideration of the curriculum, along with research and connections with faculty, can help determine whom you may want to study with and how well the program fits your goals.
Accreditation and Reputation
Schools that are accredited and well-recognized within the music industry can provide degrees that carry greater weight when applying for jobs or pursuing further study. A strong reputation often reflects the quality of training, faculty, and professional outcomes.
Facilities and Technology
High-quality music programs typically offer access to professional-level studios, recording labs, and production suites. Visiting campus through tours or open houses, or virtual tours when travel isn’t possible, can provide valuable insight into the resources and facilities available to students.
Industry Connections and Career Support
A strong music program extends beyond graduation, offering resources that help students successfully transition into the professional world. Schools that provide mentoring, career coaching, and active alumni networks are especially valuable in supporting this process. Additionally, institutions with strong connections to local studios, record labels, and media companies give students valuable opportunities to build networks and gain hands-on, real-world experience.
School Selection Guidance from Music College Admissions Experts
Los Angeles opens doors—but only if you choose the right one.
With so many programs, paths, and levels of access to the industry, it’s easy to build a list that looks good on paper but doesn’t actually set you up for success. The difference comes down to fit—understanding where a student will be challenged, supported, and positioned to grow.
That’s where Inside Music Schools comes in.
We help students and families cut through the noise of the music college admissions process and make informed decisions with confidence:
- Identifying programs that truly align with a student’s goals and abilities
- Providing an honest assessment of where they stand in a competitive field
- Building a strategic school list designed for both opportunity and acceptance
Our approach is personalized, practical, and grounded in real knowledge of the music school landscape—not guesswork.
Because getting into a music school isn’t the goal. Getting into the right one is.
If you’re navigating music school options in Los Angeles or beyond, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs About Music Schools in LA
It really comes down to how you learn best and what you want your day-to-day experience to look like. Conservatories tend to be smaller and highly focused on performance, with lots of one-on-one instruction and intensive training. University programs usually offer more flexibility—you can study music seriously while also exploring academics or other interests. Neither is “better,” but one may fit your goals and personality much more naturally.
They matter—but not in the way most families think. Simply being in LA doesn’t guarantee access. What matters is how a program actually connects students to the industry through internships, faculty relationships, sessions, and real projects. A well-connected program can open doors, but you still need the right environment and support to be ready when those opportunities come.
Big-name schools can offer incredible resources and networks, but they also require a lot of self-direction. In a smaller program, you may get more individualized attention and clearer pathways to grow. The right choice depends on whether your student thrives by carving out their own path or benefits from more structure and mentorship.
Very competitive—and often more nuanced than families expect. It’s not just about talent; it’s about preparation, positioning, and understanding what each program is actually looking for. Strong students get turned away every year simply because their school list wasn’t aligned or their materials didn’t fully showcase their strengths.
Earlier than most people think. Ideally, students start exploring seriously by sophomore or junior year of high school. That gives enough time to refine skills, prepare audition material, and build a thoughtful school list. Waiting too long can limit options—or lead to rushed decisions that don’t hold up later.
Some families piece it together on their own, but many underestimate how complex and time-consuming the process is—especially with auditions, prescreens, and program differences. If you’re feeling unsure about where your student stands, which schools make sense, or how to approach the process strategically, getting guidance can save a lot of stress and help you make more confident decisions.
Erin Chang
Erin Chang is a mezzo-soprano currently pursuing doctoral studies at Indiana University. She completed her Masters of Music at Manhattan School of Music and her Bachelor of Music Education at Rutgers University. She has performed with the MSM Graduate Opera Theater, opera scenes, choruses, and various chamber ensembles, as well as with Chicago Summer Opera. Although Erin is primarily a vocalist, she is also a solo pianist and accompanist, having performed with various choirs and churches, and is a Steinway Educational Partner. In addition to performing, Erin is passionate about teaching and has taught voice, piano, and music theory lessons.